Author Topic: Amp Recommendations? (Read 12159 times)

chrisola · « **on:** November 03, 2005, 04:59:27 PM »

I'm thinking of selling on my JCM 800 head and getting a new amp, i've found
i'm after a more 'modern' sounding amp with an fx loop and more than one channel... Have managed to get great tones out of my JCM800 but i need a bit more of a modern edge, and 2 channels would be great!!

I suppose i could mod it or buy pedals etc, but i dont want to ruin the amps character by doing that!

Does anyone have any recommendations as to what amps i should check out? With around £650 to spend?

I hope to check out some ENGLs, particularly the Fireball, and maybe a VHT Pitbull combo, or Mesa F-30...

Also, if anyones interested in the JCM 800, give me a PM!! (50w 2204 head, used to be Tims, is in great condition and recently re-valved).

cheers!

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crispsandwich · « **Reply #1 on:** November 03, 2005, 05:02:25 PM »

I'd say the Engl Screamer. Best amp I've ever played. 4 channels. Tonal bliss IMO :D

willo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2005, 05:12:24 PM »

VHT Pitbulls seem to come in around £900-1000 over here, or at least the ones I've seen have :(

Slightly OT, but how's that new guitar going for you?

steve · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2005, 06:34:06 PM »

Id agree with the Engl,superb amp.Or try and find a Trace Elliot Speed Twin head,loads of gain and very versatile.

indysmith · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2005, 07:15:53 PM »

I'd also agree with the ENGL. Very nice amp. It was an aquired taste for me (i'm more used to smoother, older sounding sounds), but i have to say that I was wrong about it initially (i was just being a stubborn, closed-minded monkey). It;s much more modern sounding than the JCM, and can do almost any sound you want it to, and can do it well!! which is a very novel thing for one amp!

nuntius · « **Reply #5 on:** November 03, 2005, 07:16:43 PM »

Engl Screamer head is within your budget :)

math2014 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 03, 2005, 07:33:40 PM »

damn, this JCM800 2204 is exactly what i am looking for :(

Brow · « **Reply #7 on:** November 03, 2005, 07:57:30 PM »

Chrisola, a friend of mine is very interested in your JCM800 if you do decide to sell it :)

If you want to PM me a price, then I'll pass it on to him :)

Craig

Bogner · « **Reply #8 on:** November 04, 2005, 05:17:45 PM »

I am sorry about not knowing the exchange rate as I am from the USA. I have several high end heads and what I may say here may not work for the price you said you had to work with. For pure gain, IMO, the Uberschall is the best hands down. Second I would say the Engl Se is next best and there are a multitude of sounds in that head......all good too. For the warmth and gain, my Framus Cobra is very nice as well and has a great clean. Framus is good and very versatile as is the Engl. The Ecstacy I have is very nice but not as much gain. It all depends on the desired tone you want. To summarize.....IMO, Best gain Bogner Uberschall....Best all around options, versatility is Engl SE.....Best bang for clean and dirty for the buck on the heads mentioned....Framus Cobra. Hope this helps.... :)

I have a JCM 800 and use it now and then with a tube screamer and all the amps mentioned pack far more gain stock than I can get out of that head alone or with the pedal.

indysmith · « **Reply #9 on:** November 04, 2005, 06:45:57 PM »

all of those amps are WAY out of budget!

I really envy you though, lol. I'd love an amp collection such as that.

chrisola · « **Reply #10 on:** November 04, 2005, 06:52:14 PM »

Thanks for replies.. Brow you have a PM..

Yeah, those last amps are way over my budget, and to be honest id never spend that much on one anyway :P

I'm thinking either the Screamer head, or the Fireball head from Engl..

Fireball is apparantly the 'metal' part of the Powerball (or near enough) and is 2 channels with an 'Ultra Gain' setting... The Screamer though is 4 channels and cant really match the Fireball for out and out screaming brutal tones..

Decisions!! Need to find somewhere stocking these 2 amps and play them!

On line prices beat shop ones though, i've seen the Fireball for £667 including VAT + Delivery on-line, bargain 8)

indysmith · « **Reply #11 on:** November 04, 2005, 06:58:47 PM »

are you going to Music Live at the weekend? you'll probably be able to try them out there!

Bogner · « **Reply #12 on:** November 05, 2005, 01:23:52 AM »

Hey my friend, I would say go with the Engl then. The SE head I have has a bunch of various amps and options thrown into one head....I feel you would be happy with the options on the metal amp you talked about. Engl makes some very nice stuff although it is rare here in America. I absolutely love mine.

Johnny Mac · « **Reply #13 on:** November 05, 2005, 03:28:13 PM »

Get a Koch Powertone II!

_tom_ · « **Reply #14 on:** November 05, 2005, 05:12:19 PM »

If you are still looking for an amp, howabout a Cornford (if you can afford it)? I saw Jamie Humphries today at Music Live and his tone was amazing! He was playing DiMarzios aswell :lol: